Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Tickling, a Technique for Inducing Positive Affect When Handling Rats
Published on: May 8, 2018
Laughter and humor as complementary and alternative medicines for dementia patients
Masatoshi Takeda1, Ryota Hashimoto, Takashi Kudo
1Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. mtakeda@psy.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Background:
The number of dementia patients has increased worldwide, with an estimated 13.7 million dementia patients in the Asia Pacific region alone. This number is expected to increase to 64.6 million by the year 2050.
Discussion:
As a result of advances in research, there several pharmacological therapies available for the treatment of dementia patients. However, current treatments do not suppress the disease process and cannot prevent dementia, and it will be some time before these goals are realized. In the meantime, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an important aspect in the treatment of dementia patients to improve their quality of life throughout the long course of the disease. Considering the individuality of dementia patients, applicability of laughter and humor therapy is discussed. Even though there are many things that need to be elucidated regarding the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of laughter and humor, both may be good CAM for dementia patients if they are applied carefully and properly.
Summary:
In this debate article, the physiological basis and actual application of laughter and humor in the treatment of dementia patients are presented for discussion on the applicability to dementia patients.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...